Despite two stud defensemen still shockingly on the board, the Wild appeared to draft from need -- contrary to what they said for weeks.
Finnish stud center Mikael Granlund, the rookie of the year of the Finnish Elite League, was selected with the ninth overall pick. He's a smart, creative playmaker who's compared to Saku Koivu. He's got one more year left on his contract with Helsinki, but he is consider close to NHL-ready.
More later.
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More From Star Tribune
More From Star Tribune
Election
In heated western Minn. GOP congressional primary, outsiders challenging incumbent
U.S. Rep. Michelle Fischbach has a solidly conservative voting record. But Steve Boyd, a Christian conservative who has never held public office, is gaining traction as an outsider.
Sports
Minnesota Sports Hall of Fame: A class-by-class list of all members
Who's in the Star Tribune Minnesota Sports Hall of Fame? From Bernie Bierman to the latest class, here's the list:
Sports
This retired journalist changed professional wrestling from Mankato
Norm Kietzer was a pioneer in professional wrestling journalism for 40 years.
High Schools
All-Metro Sports Awards: Here are the 2023 winners
The Star Tribune recognized the best of metro area high school athletes with its sixth annual All-Metro Sports Awards. Here are the 2023 winners, who were honored Wednesday night at Target Center.